Expanded school workload is now implemented
The Austrian Ministry of Education has introduced new guidelines for homework for primary school students, effective from September 1, 2025. These new norms aim to ensure a balanced workload for students across all grades.
According to Order No. 704, point 171.20, the new guidelines outline specific limits for the weekly and annual workload for each grade. For the 1st grade, the maximum weekly study hours have been set at 20-21 hours, with an annual workload that cannot exceed 620-653 hours.
Moving up the grades, 2nd and 3rd graders should not spend more than one and a half hours on homework per day, with a weekly study limit of 23-26 hours and an annual workload of 782-884 hours. For the 4th grade, the maximum weekly study hours are set at 26 hours, with an annual workload that matches the limits set for the higher grades.
The Ministry recommends that 1st graders spend no more than one hour per day on homework, and if a task requires extensive preparation, sufficient time should be provided. For the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades, homework for the next lesson should be assigned during the current lesson.
In addition, the Ministry of Education has approved a School Holiday Calendar for the 2025-2026 Academic Year, providing students with well-deserved breaks throughout the year.
These new guidelines also state that tasks should be duplicated in the electronic journal no later than the end of the school day. If a task requires more time, it is recommended that the teacher provides adequate time for students to complete it.
The new rules apply to all schools under the Austrian Ministry of Education that follow the updated regulations, including those implementing modernized curricula and special provisions for schools with special educational needs. However, a specific list of affected schools is not detailed in the provided information.
These new guidelines mark a significant step towards ensuring a balanced workload for primary school students in Austria, promoting a healthier learning environment and encouraging a more focused approach to education.
